Transition to Teach Program

Definition

Transition to Teach programs are designed for career changers who already hold bachelor’s degrees in content majors related to a secondary teaching field, such as English or mathematics. The program’s purpose is to allow career changers to successfully enter the teaching profession in a timely fashion. These programs are most appropriate for those who already have a foundation of experiences in a P-12 or similar educational setting.   They focus on the last four semesters of a professional education program, primarily on teaching methodology and student teaching.  Each program consists of 18 credit hours of professional coursework.

In accordance with the Indiana Professional Standards Board rules, Purdue University Calumet offers several Transition to Teach (T3) programs.  Purdue University Calumet participates in a consortium with other area universities so that all programs offered collectively by those institutions have a transition to teach component.  Purdue University Calumet offers Secondary programs in Mathematics, Life Science (Biology), Physical Science (Chemistry & Physics), Chemistry, Physics, English, Spanish, German & French.  Other consortium universities, specifically Indiana University Northwest and Valparaiso University, offer the Transition to Teach Program for Elementary Education and Secondary Social Studies.

History

Purdue University Calumet began accepting applications for the T3 program in Summer 2002.  However, due to the extensive admission process, the first cohort of T3 did not begin coursework until Spring 2003.  To be a part of the T3 program, candidates must commit to a continuous 16 months of coursework before eventual licensure.  Therefore, the first cohort will be completing the program at the end of Spring 2004.  After Spring 2003, cohorts will begin on a yearly basis in the Spring semester.  Admission date for the T3 program will be the November 1st prior to the Spring semester when the applicant wants to begin the program.

Applicants for the program must have ALL admission requirements completed prior to taking the first course in the T3 program.  Requirements for the T3 program were developed by reviewing our current program standards to determine the most effective way for applicants to demonstrate attainment of the existing requirements for our Teacher Education programs.  Since T3 candidates will be entering the program at the teaching methods level (junior year for traditional candidates) candidates must demonstrate the knowledges, performances and dispositions that are required of all Teacher Education program prior to taking the teaching methods courses. 

Applications are available online through the Admissions Department at Purdue University Calumet.  Candidates will also need to purchase the EDCI 205 handbook available in the Calumet Campus Bookstore (first floor Student Faculty Library Center).  In the EDCI 205 handbook, potential applicants will find the conceptual framework and standards of the teacher education program at Purdue University Calumet, the Portfolio requirements, admission requirements for traditional candidates, and miscellaneous program information.  This handbook will be helpful in acclimating candidates to our Teacher Education Programs and supplying information regarding the portfolio requirement for admission to T3.  Although, EDCI 205 is not a required course for the T3 program, candidates of T3 will be held accountable for all information in the handbook.

A list of books will be made available for candidates to read prior to registration in the first T3 course.  Completion of books on this reading list will be very helpful to candidates prior to sitting for the Foundations of Education exam which will be given in the first seminar course.

A portfolio is also required for admission to T3.  Portfolio workshops are held throughout the semester to assist you in compiling the portfolio.  The schedule for the workshops are available here on the School of Education website.

There is one fee for the T3 program.  A $600 non-refundable application fee.  This fee must be paid prior to taking the Foundations of Education test and prior to registration for the first semester in the T3 program.  Fees are assessed for the supervision of specialized T3 clinical experiences as well as the development, maintenance and assessment of issues associated with the T3 program.  For specifics, please feel free to contact the DTP office.

Other Program Requirements, Information and Opportunities

Proof of Insurance.  All students admitted to the Methods Courses in the Teacher Education Program are required to furnish proof of professional liability insurance. We require this because of the time spent in area classrooms.  The minimum coverage that we require is $300,000. You can obtain insurance coverage through an Indiana Student Education Association (ISEA) membership in the amount of $1,000,000 or, if you prefer, through your own insurance carrier.  The insurance period is from September 1 to August 31.  The membership fee for ISEA is approximately $35.  You can obtain ISEA information in ANNX-151.  You must submit proof of insurance to the DTP Advising Office in ANNX-151 prior to your first course in the T3 program.

Contacting Schools.  For many of your classes, you will be instructed to contact a school to arrange for observation time or to meet with school personnel.  Always follow the instructions given in those courses when making these contacts.  And always conduct yourself in a professional manner when making these contacts.  Our relationships with area schools are invaluable.  You are a reflection of Purdue University Calumet, and your conduct with building secretaries, teachers, principals, administrators and students is under constant scrutiny.  Your conduct must be above reproach at all times.

Procedure for Filing Limited Criminal History Reports

Each teacher education candidate must submit two Limited Criminal History Reports to the Department of Teacher Preparation (DTP).   The first will be prior to initiating the first field experience associated with a School of Education (SOE) course or activity.  The second Limited Criminal History Report will be required the semester prior to student teaching and will be sent to the state with your license application.  The completion and submission of a submittal form and the Limited Criminal History Report to the DTP advising office (X-151) is required of each candidate.

Steps to follow:

1)   The candidate will get the procedure and form for obtaining a Limited Criminal History Report from the DTP Advising Office (X-151).

• The candidate will carefully read the directions for submitting the Limited Criminal History Report form to the Indiana Central Repository in Indianapolis and complete the form.
• The candidate will obtain a $7 money order made out to the State of Indiana from a local financial institution.
• The candidate will send the completed Limited Criminal History form and the money order to the Central Repository.
• The candidate will bring the official Limited Criminal History Report received from the Central Repository to the DTP advisor’s secretary in X-151.  It is suggested that the Limited Criminal History Report be in a sealed envelope.  At this time, the candidate will read and complete a submittal form to be included with the Limited Criminal History Report.

Your signature on the submittal form confirms the following statements:

-I understand that since the Indiana Professional Standards Board (IPSB) is the licensing agency of the State of Indiana, it is solely responsible for the review, evaluation and response of misdemeanor or felony convictions.

-I understand that upon applying for an Indiana license, I will be asked by the IPSB, via the   license application for the following:

1) Have you ever had a credential, certificate, or license to teach denied, revoked or suspended in Indiana or in any other state?

2) Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

3) Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor other than minor traffic violations since January 15, 1994?

-I understand that the Vice Chancellor of Student Services has been authorized to consult regularly the Indiana Sex Offender Registry (Zachary’s Law) listing the names of individuals who have been convicted of child molestation.  If the name of a potential, current, or past teacher education candidate is identified, the candidate will be denied access to the Purdue University Calumet Teacher Education Program and the licensing process.

-I understand that upon applying for an Indiana teaching license, I will be asked to submit a Limited Criminal History Report obtained through the Central Repository.  (Some school corporations may require an additional Limited Criminal History Report for candidate’s classroom field experiences throughout their academic career).

If any misdemeanor or felony convictions appear on the report, the DTP head will contact the legal representative of the IPSB.  The IPSB will determine if the candidate will be potentially eligible for licensure based on the information conveyed on the criminal report.  If the IPSB determines that the candidate would not be eligible for licensure, the Head of DTP will convene a meeting with the candidate to discuss the options for the candidate.  Candidates that IPSB determine as ineligible for a license may be separated from the program.  The Head of DTP will file the submittal form and any determination of the IPSB in the candidate’s advising file. If no misdemeanors or felonies appear, the Head of DTP will shred the Limited Criminal History Report.  The submittal form will remain in the DTP advising office to ensure consistency among all teacher education candidates.

Student Teaching Semester Requirements.  Prior to your student teaching semester, you will receive notice of the Orientation for Student Teaching, as well as other meeting dates for student teachers.  During the student teaching semester, you will also receive information on the following:

Educational Placement Files and Letters of Recommendation. Early in your student teaching semester, you may wish to contact the Career Services Office in C-349 for information about this process.

Licensing Requirements.  As you complete student teaching, the Licensing Advisor will explain teacher licensing application procedures and distribute applications at one of the Student Teacher Workshops. 

Showcase Portfolio.  The portfolio you will be completing while at Purdue University Calumet is considered a developmental portfolio.  A developmental portfolio is one that is constantly changing as you “develop” into a teacher professional.  A Showcase Portfolio is considered the best of the work you completed while in a teacher education program.  We will supply tips related to how to show your best work and still address the meeting of standards.

Now that you have reviewed all of the program requirements, you may be wondering how to access resources to help you successfully complete your application requirements and the T3 program itself.   Rest assured, helpful people and resources abound on the PUC campus and within the School of Education.  Once admitted, we are committed to helping you be successful in the program.

TESTING  INFORMATION

Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)

Praxis I (PPST).  The Praxis series of tests are professional assessments for beginning teachers.  The Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessments measure reading, writing, and math skills.  You can take this test either paper-based or computer-based.  Test booklets, Registration Bulletin: Your Guide to Registering for the Praxis Series, for the current year are always available in ANNX-151 on the bookshelf by the door or GYTE-102, the Skills & Assessment Office.  You will need a copy of this booklet if you plan to take the paper-based version of this test. The computer-based version of the PPST is available at the Sylvan Learning Center in Homewood, IL.  Whether you take the test paper-based or computer-based, when you sign up for the PPST, be sure to have your scores sent to Purdue University Calumet.  See the Tests section of this handbook for required tests and passing score information.  There is information available to assist you in preparing to take these tests in Room ANNX-151.

The State of Indiana requires this test for licensure.  The passing scores for licensing are the following:

Scantron Score and Computer Score

Reading: 176

Mathematics: 175

Writing: 172

You will NOT be admitted to the Transition to Teach program nor recommended for licensure until you receive passing scores on all thee tests.

Praxis II: Subject Assessments/Specialty Area Tests.

The content courses you have completed as a part of you bachelor’s degree program should have prepared you to be successful on the test for your teaching major.   We do suggest, however, that you obtain booklets that will help orient you to the format and structure of the Praxis II tests.  These booklets are called “Tests at a Glance” and are available as you walk in the door to ANNX-151.  There are booklets available for each Specialty Area Test, so be sure you take the correct booklet.  You can also order supplemental information from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) when you register for the test.